In reply to India’s 191 all out, Australia had ended the second day on 4/482 with Clarke on 251. He went on to get to his 300, while his overnight partner Hussey scored another century as the Indian bowlers struggled for a breakthrough.

The agony was ended by Clarke, when he decided not to pursue the world record of 400, set a few years ago by Brian Lara and instead declared the innings closed. By that time Hussey had already scored his 150 while Australia had got to a near-insurmountable 4/659.

Weary in the legs and in the minds, the Indians began their second innings, trailing by 466 runs. The only factor in their favour was the true nature of the now flattening pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Unfortunately for India, Virender Sehwag lasted all of seven deliveries before slamming one from Ben Hilfenhaus to point off his eighth. Rahul Dravid joined Gautam Gambhir and added an aggressive 92 runs for the second wicket. It took them only 23 overs.

However, Australia tried to stall the free-flowing run-scoring by bowling wider outside the off-stump and the resulting period got Dravid out and Gambhir dropped. Dravid made 29 before he was bowled for the third time in the series while Gambhir was unbeaten on 68 at the end of the day.

Sachin Tendulkar was on eight (42 balls) when play was called off for the day.

With India needing another 354 runs to make the hosts bat again, Australia are overwhelming favourites to make it 2-0 in this Test match.

The fourth day of Australia v India, 2nd Test at Sydney starts at 11.30 pm GMT on January 5.